HONG KONG — Assume, for the sake of argument, that KFC’s fried chicken is, as advertised, “finger lickin’ good.”
Would you really want it to remain on your fingers? Indefinitely?
These are just two of the salient questions raised by the chicken chain’s new Hong Kong marketing campaign, in which it is offering lickable, edible fingernail polish in two flavors: Original, and Hot and Spicy.
“Yes, it is actually a real thing,” said Anna Mugglestone, marketing and communications director for Ogilvy & Mather Group in Hong Kong, the agency running the campaign. “I tried it myself in the office when they were doing testing.”
And, as you might expect...
“It tastes like chicken,” she said. “It’s crazy. I don’t know how they do it.”
A more logical question would be why.
Ms. Mugglestone said the nail polish was a way “to remind the younger generation” of “the great taste and good times the brand stands for.”
The polish is made in conjunction with McCormick & Company, which produces the spices for KFC’s chicken. It has yet to be mass produced but could be available in the second half of this year.
KFC is asking Hong Kong customers which flavor they would prefer. “Neither” apparently is not an option.
Today’s Headlines: Asia Edition
Get news and analysis from Asia and around the world delivered to your inbox every day in the Asian morning.
Ms. Mugglestone said there has been “vast interest” in the polish, but comments online ranged from skeptical to harsh.
“Gross/intriguing,” the fashion and lifestyle website Racked.com tweeted.
“Original is actually pretty cute for spring,” Glamour.com wrote, “if, you know, it didn’t taste like fried chicken.”
Continue reading the main story
